Night Sky pics, I am wondering if there are any. As the log progresses if I find any night pics I shall surely update my friend.

Be ready for Tsunami of pics. Caution - Your page might not load

Thanks JayD.

Temperature was cool in day time (around 20 degrees) & at night the temperature used to drop a lot (around 6-15 degrees) Thermal wear is mandatory in RJ in December month.

Day by Day details would come up everyday.

Thanks for your words my friend! It makes me feel like writing more
You won't have to wait long to get updates. This thread would be regularly updated.

Jaisalmer pics will come - All of them will come on this log. Wait and watch. I hope you like them & then regret what you missed. You should have been with us on this trip

All my logs are complete apart from Leh dude. This one will also be completed & Leh log would also eventually be completed. Wanna Bet

Lovely pix Sachin with beautifully wrapped up with the log..
I wasnt aware that deepan switched to Ninja.

Palanpur to Jaisalmer > On the way to "The Golden City"
23rd Dec, 2012

Route: Palanpur - Deesa - Tharad - Sanchore - Barmer - Jaisalmer 430 kms
Road Condition - Brilliant roads overall & bad roads only once u enter Rajasthan for some 15 odd kms post which again the roads are awesome to ride.
Watch-out - Cattle Crossing

Good Morning guys! were the first words that came out with a big yawn as the usual fight began to get in the washroom first. Door banging and Come out ASAP! slang's started the day for us

While Deepan & I were getting ready, Priyank was wondering, thinking, brainstorming and we could make out from his facial expression that he was concerned for his mother's health.
Priyank's mother was hospitalized due to Kidney Stone and though the entire family was with her, Priyank was still tense whether he should continue the journey or head back home. Somehow he convinced himself to come with us till Jaisalmer and check for updates from home if his mother is recovering well.

We had South Indian breakfast only available as a option in our hotel. Surprising is n't it? We are in Gujarat and we do not get any local breakfast (No Fafda, Handwa or Thepla) rather the universally accepted South Indian breakfast. Not that I am complaining
With luggage packed we headed to Deesa. From Deesa there are 2 ways to go to Jaisalmer - either we go via Tharad or via Dhanera. As we reached Deesa we stopped at the junction to inquire if Dhanera road conditions are good to continue or should we go via Tharad. Many of them suggested to go via Tharad so we decided to go as per local suggestions.









Chaos at Deesa - As we stopped at the junction to check for directions, people started piling up everywhere around the bikes. Couple of them helping us with road conditions rest became zoombies and were too busy admiring the Japanese beauties. Oh by Japanese beauties I meant Kawasaki & Honda motorcycles :P Service road was jammed, Out of the 3 lanes, 2 lanes of the Highway was blocked, other side road also to some extent was getting blocked. Soon enough we can hear horns getting honked behind us as we looked back to see the entire road was getting jammed as a result. Is sportsbike really that kind of attraction on roads? I wondered. But from what I experienced I guess it is.









As we continued the journey, we came across some of the finest roads in India. Roads that were silky smooth and with no traffic what so ever but but but!!!
There is a huge concern which everyone should know who are riding / driving in Rajasthan. Even though the roads are excellent even though there is no traffic, there are death traps almost everywhere on the roads. Death traps here mean cattle crossing - Goats, Cows, Buffaloes, Sheeps, dogs, Camels, etc might appear all of a sudden in front of you while your cruising at around 100kmph. My heart skipped a beat every-time I saw animal crossing the road. On came the Hazards lights of Ninja 650 warning my fellow riders of danger luring ahead and bike coming down from 100 kmph speed down to 2nd gear 20 kmph. All you can do a shake your head and move on. More on this as we proceed.

A quick pit stop for fueling and we stopped over for lunch at a nearby Dhaba well known enough to the localites at least. We ended filling half a stomach with Butter milk along with excessive oily food. I wonder why so much if oil is used in the food. You can remove at least half a glass of oil from the dishes. We had a good discussion with a Rajasthan tourist driver trying to get more information on nearby locations and it's good to talk to sensible people we meet during this trips. We get to learn a lot about them while they know about us.

As the clock crossed 3 we still had some 150 odd kms to cover to reach Jaisalmer, blame our long breaks in between for it but that's how the ride is suppose to be I guess. No rush, No hurry just ride and have some target to reach by end of day. Drama was assured as we were asking for directions on a confusing junction, Me, Priyank & Deepan in that order. I asked for direction and we moved on however Deepan was still inquiring as we moved on. So we got separated and after some 10 minutes of riding when Deepan was not seen in our RVM's we stopped by.



























Deepan came back to share a experience to remember
Deepan informed that he was stopped by a local policemen and asked for papers of bike and inquired where he is going in a rude manner I suppose. Frustrated Deepan showed all papers and he was surrounded by localites who asked him where was he going? Deepan said Jaisalmer. Surprisingly they asked why are you going there, Do you have anyone there? Lol! Is nt Jaisalmer suppose to be a tourist spot! If Yes! Why such ridiculous questions? Before more crowd could gather Deepan told them to move aside and rode from there.

We moved on & with sun set we were some 40 kms away from Jaisalmer. Butt break and some photos clicked as we finally moved on and reached Jaisalmer by 7pm. As we entered Jaisalmer we met 2 guys on riding bike who asked us if we want room to stay. We stopped by and told them we do not want an expensive room & we want good parking space. We were assured that bikes will be safe and stay would be not more than 800Rs. so we agreed and without wasting much time headed to the room.



Sam Sand Dunes Fiasco - As we entered the hotel after parking our bikes we were offered a package for Sam Sand Dunes. Of course we had planned to see the desert the next day and wanted to spend the night in a tent close to Sam Sand dunes. The hotel guy started off with bizarre packages which costs 4500Rs per head which includes today's stay for free, camel ride to Sam Sand Dunes, Night Stay in Tent, dinner, Rajasthani folk dance, etc. We were okay with the package but not okay with the cost. With no prior experience we managed to convince him to charge us 2500Rs per person for all this to which he agreed.
Next day we found out that it was still a lot more than what it could have been if we would have done it all our-self. Nevertheless, our experience would hopefully help others is my intention to post it here. Camel ride and Tent stay should not cost more than 1000 rs if you directly happen to visit Sam. So guys planning to go to Rajasthan dont fall for the package traps. Just head to Sam and you'll get a cheaper deal.

Checked in on Facebook, 23rd Dec 2012
Finally!!! Loving the ambiance, Its a different world :-)





Next thing happened was my phone started to ring and Gee, it was Kakkar again. Co incidence, he was also in Jaisalmer and rest of night went in Blah Blah session on Jaisalmer Fort.
Tasted some bhaang, Deepan lost his dear tripod and we had our first Rajasthani Thali in Jaisalmer. A day well spent and full of action came to an end as we were ready for an exciting day tomorrow when we would finally sight see "The Golden City" - Jaisalmer!

Nice pics and log Sachin

I love your Midori dude! She looks terrific in each and every picture!! Would like to join one of your tirps sometime down the line.

ab thik hai

Day 3 > In the heart of Thar Desert lies the Golden City - Jaisalmer
24th Dec'12

Before visiting Jaisalmer, my initial thoughts about the place was hot desert, hot sand, hot blowing wind, etc but at least for Dec-Jan month my thoughts don't match how Jaisalmer actually is. Known as the 'Golden City' probably because of the yellow sand and the yellow sandstone used in every architecture of the city, Jaisalmer is one destination I always wanted to visit in Rajasthan. Present in the heart of Thar desert & showcasing one of the finest sculptures, we were in for an action packed day to say the least.

Jaisalmer Fort
Timings - Early morning till 5PM

We started our day by visiting Jaisalmer fort, riding the bikes all the way inside the fort. Yeah, its allowed. There are shops, hotels, people stay inside the fort as they have a private property and in middle of a perfect season there were 1000's of tourists who come to visit this place. It was a complete fish market and super crowded. Even clicking photos was a difficult task. Overall as a monument, I was impressed and it's aesthetic appeal would remain fresh in my mind for long. As we roamed in Jaisalmer this is one place which caught our attention and it looks huge from outside. Made out of sand stones and locally called as Sonar Quila this fort blends perfectly amidst sands.
Wish there was less crowd & less people staying inside the fort I would have probably enjoyed it more. It should be renamed as 'Living Fort' in my view.



























Gadisar Lake
TimingsPatwon Ki Haveli
Timings - Early morning till 5pm
Entry Fee - Rs.50 per person & Rs.50 per camera

As we moved on from Gadisar lake, we headed to Patwon ki Haveli. This Haveli is a must watch if you are visiting Jaisalmer because of two things majorly, first that it was the first haveli erected in Jaisalmer and second, that it is not a single haveli but a cluster of 5 small havelis. Again, it was crowded but not as bad as Jaisalmer fort. Architecture of Patwon Ji Ki Haveli is nothing less than a treat for the eyes. Made out of Sandstone however carved in yellow-brown color facade with infinite details and multiple different patterns there is perfect aura that is present to amaze you.

Inside the haveli has a rare look of traditional Rajasthani haveli and everything has been maintained well. Few things I remember inside are the beautiful ceilings which are a treat to eyes, traditional clothes and various different types of sari's, a very different looking chess board (probably very ancient), royal bedrooms, etc. Overall, we were very satisfied after visiting Patwon ki Haveli. It is a spot worth visiting.



























































Met an interesting chap selling butter milk outside Patwon ki haveli. He spoke in english very much to our surprise and kept pouring butter milk glass after glass as we (Deepan & I) managed to drink 9 glasses before we said, Bus Karo Bhaiya To our surprise we were only asked to pay Rs.45. Imagine drinking the same butter milk in Mumbai we would have paid at least 100 bucks.

Phew, some good places seen it was almost noon and Priyank had already went back to room as he was not feeling well. We (Deepan & I) headed back to our room to catch up with Priyank, eat some lunch and move on to Sam Sand Dunes for evening sun set & night stay at tent. More to follow as our day progressed

Outstanding..!!
Palaces & forts are just marvelous.. Always loved Rajasthan & hope to explore it soon in detail..

Some Wowsome clicks there ! Loved every bit of it !

Guess Rajsthan just called me up

Nice pics..

you guys stayed in Marina Resort at Sam Looks like I was a week behind you guys on this ride..

Midori Fan! Thanks!!

Big Relief if everything is fine now

Yes, They are beautiful & scattered all over Rajasthan. It's a nice ride also. With CBR it will be double fun I am sure.

Thanks buddy. I was suppose to do this trip in Feb'12 but because unfortunately at last minute due to work I had to cancel this plan. Time changed and gave an opportunity & I finally managed to explore it inside out.

Hey, Yes we stayed at Marina Resort at Sam & 1st day in Jaisalmer. Hope you had a good trip too.

From 3 down to 2 > Priyank decided to go back home
24th Dec'12

Priyank was not feeling well and he had gone back to room from Patwon ki Haveli as we (Deepan & I) continue to sight see Jaisalmer. Once we returned back in room, Priyank said he has fever & cold because of which he decided not to come to Sam with us and spend night in tent as that might worsen his condition. He said he could not ride today and wished to go back home as his mother is still in hospital due to Kidney stone problem. From the time he heard the news from his family members on 1st day of the trip he was tension and was confused whether he should ride or go back home. There was no point being on a ride when you are not able to enjoy it so Priyank was confirmed to leave for return journey back to Mumbai solo.

It was almost time to leave for Sam Sand dune and after a heated discussion with the hotel owner that one of our friends would be still in the room for today as well and not coming with us to the tent and desert, we (Deepan & I) were all set to leave for Sam. No, we were not given refund of 2,500 as Priyank was not coming us but the hotel room was given free of cost again. It was sad for us too as we were down to only 2 of us now from 3.

Priyank took rest the entire day, recovered and started his return journey back home the next day. As of today, his mother is out of hospital and recovering so all is well.



Our Hotel stay in Jaisalmer, Marina Mahal

Sunset at Sam Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer
24th Dec'12


We left Jaisalmer by 3 pm and Sam is around 40 kms from Jaisalmer. The ride was again on butter smooth roads and we parked our bikes next to the tent where we would be spending the night. Since the entire Jaisalmer city is built within the Thar desert, even Sam is not a separate desert but it is also a part of Thar desert. It's a must visit sight seeing point from Jaisalmer and I was not surprised by the huge turn out of tourists to watch the sunset.

The Camel was ready to take us to Sam which was around 4 kms away. As our camel ride started as long as the Camel just walks its fine but as the Camel starts running it becomes difficult to hold on to your seat especially if you have one hand holding camera for clicking photos and videos :P With one hand holding the saddle and other hand clicking photos and videos as I was jumping in my seat watching other camels pass by where girls are shouting and laughing, it was quite a sight. Somehow some way we managed and the camel ride got over in some 30 minutes however we paid the guy 300 bucks more to take us to a more peaceful sand dunes with less crowd where Deepan could click some nice photos. Since it was my first time in Sand Dunes, I loved every bit of it and so did Deepan. Stand on the dunes and you would notice dunes after dunes all around you and it is a magnificent sight. With Sun almost melting in far sight it makes a perfect setting for a beautiful evening.































The vast setting of beautiful golden shifting sand dunes, sprawling all across is a photographer's delight. Please be ready to watch a lot of poser pics as the place is worth it. Deepan was kept busy all the time trying different manual settings in his Canon 550D to click the best pictures possible.
Desert Safari is a must if you happen to visit Jaisalmer as this is one place where you can completely forget the outside world and see a completely different world where there are stretches of sweeping dunes along the breathtaking crests and troughs. As we rode on the camel-back we could see varieties of ways people were trying to enjoy sand dunes, some were rolling, some were sliding, some were busy running, while some trying to climb a mountain of sands.
We loved it and I am sure you would love it too!!

























































After wonderful time spend at Sam Sand Dunes we were back on Camel Back to take us back to the tent where we were in for an entertaining night in Rajasthani style to say the least

Wooow Hats off Boss... Good log really intresting...
Waiting for more pics..

Nice log sachin.